Each day, I see more and more signs that Spring is just around the corner.
“While it is February, one can taste the full joys of anticipation. Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch.” ~Patience Strong
Just Around the Corner
spring
Resilience
“Spring reminds us that resilience is only a season away.” ~Angie Weiland-Crosby
An abundance of snakes
While walking around the boardwalk at Reelfoot Lake, we came upon a large number of water snakes that were swirling ferverishly in the water. We were not sure at the time what we were witnessing, but have since found out that it was a breeding or mating ball. In the spring, female snakes put off a pheromone scent which attracts males. The male snakes then track the female, and a breeding ball occurs when there are many males competing over the same female. In these photos, the female is the largest snake.
And since pictures don’t do the situation justice, here is a short video clip that gives a better idea of what a breeding ball looks like.
“Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.” ~Alfred Hitchcock
A sea of yellow
Bright-yellow Bulbous Buttercups are in full bloom in the fields and along the roadsides of West Tennessee. These non-native plants are considered wildflowers by some — and invasive and noxious weeds by others. Although they add beauty to the landscape, they also compete with native plant species and are mildly toxic to livestock.
“I’ve learned … that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.” ~Unknown
Dandelion seed heads
“When you look at a field of dandelions, you can either see a hundred weeds or a thousand wishes.” ~Unknown
Along the walking trail
One afternoon this week we enjoyed a pleasant stroll along a greenway near our home. Part of this trail goes through land upon which a railroad right-of-way once ran, including an old railroad bridge. Here are a few shots of the rural scenery that were taken along the way.
“Somewhere between the start of the trail and the end is the mystery why we choose to walk.” ~Unknown
The duck family
We saw this duck family in a nearby pond. Though the drake was present, the mother duck was definitely the one in charge. It was fun watching her lead and guide the ducklings around, both in the water and out.
“Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother.” ~Unknown
Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak
The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are once again migrating through on their journey to their breeding grounds up north. Like clockwork, they stop over each spring to rest and dine on seeds from the feeders before continuing on their way.
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” ~Ecclesiastes 3:1
Butterflies
A few butterflies that I’ve spotted this spring.
“Joy in looking and comprehending is nature’s most beautiful gift.” ~Albert Einstein
A good day for a hike
The sky was a little overcast, but the temperature was perfect for a hike in the Reelfoot Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, signs of spring were intermingled with the leaves of the past autumn. The sound of birds chirping and an owl hooting could be heard in the distance. As we passed a stranger on the path, his greeting summed up my feelings perfectly — “It doesn’t get much better than this!” No, it certainly doesn’t. 🙂
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” ~Unknown
walking on a country road 